Royal Navy ship HMS Cattistock docked in Poole Quay

HMS Cattistock is now at Poole Quay ahead of the ceremony and parade tomorrow, Saturday, May 4.

The honour is the highest a town can bestow upon the Royal Navy or one of His Majesty’s Ships.

The entire ship’s company will march through the streets of Poole, some 70 servicemen and women, led by the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marine Plymouth.

The town has welcomed the Hunt Class Minesweeper this week, with local sea cadet, veteran and naval associations set to take part in the event.

At 2pm, the mayor of Poole, Cllr Jo Clements, will present the ship’s Casket Party with the Freedom Scroll, with HMS Cattistock being the first to receive this honour.

Then, the company will march a circular through the town, led by the band, parading along the Quay past the docked ship.

The parade will head up the High Street as far as Lagland Street, and then will march back to the Quay.

HMS Cattistock was launched in 1981 and commissioned in 1982 as the third in her class and the third navy ship to bear the name.

Lieutenant Commander Jonny Campbell, commanding officer of HMS Cattistock, said previously: “The affiliation between HMS Cattistock and the people of Poole and village of Cattistock is long established and remains an important link.

“In 1944 an earlier ship of the same name protected minesweepers in the days and hours before D-Day at Normandy, and now it is us who hunt and clear mines to protect our country.

“We have always been warmly welcomed by Poole and hugely enjoy visiting to see our friends including cadets, schools and the maritime community.

“I am really pleased that the ship can visit again and maintain the link between the British people and the Royal Navy.

“We cannot wait to return to our favourite port.”

Cllr Clements added: “I am delighted that on Saturday 4 May 2024 the Poole Charter Trustees will be formally admitting the Officers and Crew of HMS Cattistock the Freedom of the Town of Poole, the first ship to be granted this honour.”